Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc

You might be treating Truth and Reconciliation Day as just another statutory holiday, but there are events all around Kamloops and the Okanagan to help remind folks that it’s about remembering the ongoing effects of colonization and Canada’s imperialist history.

Kelowna

There are four official events going on around town for Truth and Reconciliation Day. There’s a sylix showcase at The Sncewips Heritage Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The (Un)learn Kelowna Museums event to learn about the residential school system and hands-on activities so visitors can create a small keepsake.

The Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is having its march to City Park with speeches and a candlelight vigil. Bannock and soup are going to be served at the society after the march.

The Orange Shirt Day event at the Mamawapowin Centre at 1580 Bernard Avenue from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is going to be drumming, history lessons and storytelling. Painted rocks are going to be placed to honour those who were taken from their homes and forced into residential schools.

Kamloops

The City of Kamloops and Tkemlúps te Secwépemc are cohosting activities at the Kamloopa Powwow Arbour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There are going to be workshops about intergenerational trauma and healing, educational booths and plenty of food. An Orange Shirt Day Walk around what’s known as the Moccasin Mile route through Tkemlúps territory.

There is also an Orange Shirt Day Unity Awareness Motorcycle Run from Kamloops Indian Residential School to the Tkemlúps Arbour starting at 9 a.m.

Vernon

The Okanagan Indian Band is hosting a community Orange Shirt Day walk and event in Komasket park from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. to commemorate residential school survivors. There are going to be speeches before the walk and a drum circle, lunch and open mic afterwards.

Penticton

The Okanagan Nation Alliance has organized a two kilometre Walk for Reconciliation from the Safeway parking lot to the SIRS Monument outside the Penticton Hatchery on En’owkin Trail from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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